How to Lock a Bike

Learning to lock up your bike properly is essential to keeping it in your hands. The proper lock used well will help assure your bike stays where you put it.

A modern blue bike locked to a rack using a u-lock on the frame and the rack and a cable around both the front and rear wheels connected to the u-lock.

 

Most importantly, use a u-lock or a high-quality chain lock for the frame. Lock the front wheel with a cable, chain, or u-lock. If you’re leaving your bike for a while, lock the rear wheel too.

A blue bike locked to a rack using a u-lock around the frame and the rear wheel. A cable connects the front wheel to the u-lock.

 

Locking a wheel with your u-lock is great when possible. Depending on the bike and the rack, this isn't always possible.

A person holds up a cut cable lock in front of a bike that is locked using only a cable lock.

 

Avoid cable locks as main locks, they are easy to cut!

A bent higher-end wheel is locked to a bike rack with a yellow Kryptonite lock.

 

Be sure to lock your bike frame to the rack – not only a wheel. Avoid using bike racks where you can't lock the frame to the rack.

Video: Bike Parking and Sidewalks